Bloemfontein police have arrested three men on charges of arson following last night's fire that gutted the historic city hall in the CBD.
The fire started when striking workers at the Mangaung Metro set furniture alight after they became angry because the mayor, Olly Mlamleli, failed to meet them on their demands for salary increases.
The fire was almost brought under control, but the situation got out of hand when the roof collapsed. It then rapidly spread throughout the building.
Damage to the building could run into millions of rands.
LISTEN to full report by Ishmael Modibe
Speaking to Sakina Kamwendo on #AMLive Mangaung Municipality spokesperson Qondile Khedama said it was unnecesary for striking workers to set the Bloemfontein City Hall on fire, as negotiations are underway.